Water hygiene topic

Legislation & Responsibilities — for the Blue Card assessment

The Water Industry Act 1991, the Water Fittings Regulations and the DWI.

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Protecting drinking water is a legal duty, and contaminating it is a criminal offence. The assessment checks you know the main laws and that the responsibility is personal.

What legislation and your duties covers in the assessment

  • Under the Water Industry Act 1991 (Section 70) it is a criminal offence to contaminate water likely to be used for human consumption — an individual can be prosecuted
  • The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 (Water Byelaws 2014 in Scotland) prevent contamination, waste and misuse and require approved materials (Regulation 4)
  • The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 places general duties on employers and employees
  • The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) checks that water companies supply safe, wholesome drinking water
  • Everyone on the network has a personal responsibility to protect water quality
  • You must report any contamination or concern rather than ignore it

Where people slip up

Thinking only the company can be prosecuted. Under Section 70 an individual can be too.

Assuming someone else will report a problem. Every worker has a duty to report.

Treating the Water Fittings Regulations as optional. They are the law.

Test yourself on legislation and your duties

Both free mocks draw from this area — 25 questions in 30 minutes, with an explanation for every answer and a per-area breakdown at the end.

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The other areas

Why Water Hygiene Matters
Public health and the waterborne diseases that contaminated drinking water can spread.
Personal Health & Hygiene
Weil's disease, reporting illness, hand hygiene and covering cuts.
Contamination: Types & Sources
Microbiological, chemical and physical contamination and where it comes from.
Backflow & Cross-Connection
Back-siphonage, cross-connections and the devices that prevent them.
Hygienic Site Practices
Clean tools and fittings, capping open ends and keeping the trench clean.
Materials & Approved Products
WRAS-approved materials, and the right jointing compounds and lubricants.
Disinfection & Chlorination of Mains
Swabbing, chlorination, contact time, flushing and sampling before supply.
Standpipes & Hydrants
Authorised use, backflow protection and keeping them clean.
Working on Live & Repaired Mains
Bursts and repairs, flushing, and returning a main safely to supply.
Read the complete Blue Card guide

Independent study material, not affiliated with or endorsed by EUSR or Energy & Utility Skills. Always check the official EUSR website for the current scheme and card requirements.